As the UK becomes more environmentally conscious with “Net Zero” fast approaching, many people are looking at alternative fuels. Alternative liquid fuels are here to reduce dependence on traditional fuels, like petrol and diesel, and to limit the impact on health and the environment. They seek more significant sustainability benefits by using green energy sources and innovative production methods that result in cleaner emissions.
Not all alternative fuels share the same characteristics, though. The challenge is to choose the solution to suit your business to optimise your performance. It can be tricky; that’s why Oilfast UK has provided information on the top alternative fuels to help you decide.
CNG
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is methane stored at high pressure. CNG can be used as an alternative to petrol, diesel, and propane (LPG) and produces fewer undesirable gases than these conventional fuels.
Pros:
- Cost-effective—30%-40% cheaper compared to diesel
- Reduces emissions—less NOx and up to 85% less CO2 compared to diesel
- More efficient—extended running time and reduced engine noise
Cons:
- Expensive to convert—You will need to switch storage tanks which is costly
- Challenging to store—must be kept at a specific temperature
- Limited availability—UK has an underdeveloped supply chain of CNG
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is gas that has been cooled to liquid form to enable non-pressurised storage or transport. It is safer and more convenient than pressurised gases and is most popular in the marine sector.
Pros:
- Clean—odourless, colourless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive
- Reduces emissions—delivers CO2 savings
- Easy to store—lightweight tanks minimise fuel consumption in transport and do not require the same strict storage conditions as CNG
Cons:
- Lower energy density—doesn’t deliver the same efficiency benefits as CNG
- Expensive—although more straightforward to store, the fuel is more costly than many alternatives
HVO
Hydrotreated vegetable oil is produced from vegetable fats and oils. Unlike conventional biodiesel, hydrogen, rather than methanol, is used as a catalyst, which makes HVO cleaner-burning and ensures a longer shelf life.
Pros:
- Reduces emissions—releases fewer NOx, PM and CO2 emissions
- Drop in fuel—no need to change the infrastructure – save business money
- Longer shelf life—compared to regular biodiesel
- Fuel efficiency improvements – Fuel burns more cleanly
Cons:
- Inconsistent – quality can be an issue when palm oil is used. However, palm oil is not always used in HVO.
- More expensive—not as cheap as diesel, but less costly than updating infrastructure
- Limited availability—UK has an underdeveloped supply chain
Biofuels
A biofuel is a fuel produced through contemporary biological processes, such as agriculture and anaerobic digestion, rather than by geological processes such as those involved in forming fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, from prehistoric biological matter.
Pros:
- Renewable—made using replenishable materials
- Reduces emissions—releases less CO2
- More efficient—can be blended with diesel, with higher percentage blends shown to improve miles per gallon
Cons:
- Maintenance issues—some OEMs complain of clogged filters
- Not as clean—can worsen air quality by emitting NOx
- Requires conversion—completely different specification
GTL
GTL products such as Shell GTL Fuel are created from natural gas using the Fischer-Tropsch process, which produces more consistent and uniform molecules than conventional crude oil refining.
Pros:
- Reduces emissions – cuts NOx, PM, CO and hydrocarbon levels
- Clean – produces less noise, smoke and odour
- Drop in fuel – does not require any engine modifications, nor does existing fuel need to be drained from tanks before use
Cons:
- Cleaner rather than greener – does not reduce CO2
- Cost – similar to a premium diesel, yet less costly than making engine and infrastructure changes
Oilfast UK is delighted to supply HVO fuel across the UK, helping businesses reduce their emission rates.
Are you looking for more information on alternative fuels? Contact your fuel experts to discuss alternative fuels and your fuelling options.